Pages

Monday, July 5, 2010

A small history lesson....................

The annual narcissistic and self-congratulatory orgy known as the "4th of July" is essentially finished for 2010, except today (July 5th) is the work holiday for many employees since the actual day of July 4th this year fell on a Sunday.

Most of us would have a difficult time reciting language from the declaration being celebrated. Here is a quote from that declaration (the He refers to King George of England):

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

The local newspaper distinguished itself by running multiple "stories" (propaganda disguised as news) about heroic servicemen, etc. A replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall was in town for July 4th, no stories referenced the needlessness of that tragic conflict (Ho Chi Minh was as likely to present any threat the the United States as was Saddam Hussein). Nope, jingoism and self-congratulation characterized what passed for "news".

Now we have arrived at my favorite part of this holiday, the ending of it (until next year). Oh, by the way, a number of the celebrants seem to be perplexed about certain factual details. For those unsure why there might be a question about the appropriateness of the holiday, this post might provide some enlightenment.